Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto confirms wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is fully fit to face Australia in Darwin after recovering from a calf injury.
WEB DESK: Bangladesh have received a major boost ahead of their challenging Test series against Australia, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto confirming that wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is 100% fit for the opening Test in Darwin.
Litton had been sidelined since June with a left calf injury and was initially ruled out of the first Test. However, he was later added to Bangladesh’s squad and is now expected to feature when the match begins on Thursday.
Litton return boosts Bangladesh batting
Shanto said Litton’s availability provides additional depth and experience to Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
“Litton gives us batting depth,” Shanto said, adding that the experienced batter has been consistent for the team.
The return is particularly important for Bangladesh after the team suffered a heavy defeat in its only warm-up match, losing to a Cricket Australia XI by an innings and 38 runs.
Litton is Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer over the past five years and is expected to strengthen the middle order.
Bangladesh consider two-spinner combination
Shanto has not yet confirmed the complete playing XI but indicated Bangladesh could field two frontline spinners and three fast bowlers, depending on the conditions at Darwin’s Marrara Stadium.
The potential combination would include Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam as the two spinners.
Bangladesh are without injured fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, leaving Taskin Ahmed to lead the pace attack.
Taskin is expected to be supported by at least two of Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed and Musfik Hasan.
First Bangladesh Test tour of Australia in 23 years
The two-match series marks Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia since 2003.
Australia enter the series as the world’s No. 1-ranked Test side and have strengthened their bowling attack with the return of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon from injury.
